System and method for accessing services and/or applications and/or content on a communication network

ABSTRACT

A system of accessing services, applications or content using cell phones and the like on a wireless network wherein the cell phone has a web browser that digitally communicates with a network server that interprets natural language message queries by means of text and grammar recognition software, then searches for responsive services, applications and content in databases, thereby satisfying the queries, then responds to the browser with a prioritized list from which the user may select a desired service, application or content item.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to mobile services, in particular toprovide higher availability of such in a wireless network environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cellular phones or mobile phones are no longer used for voicetransmission only. They are now extended to also function as tools forproviding simple services, applications and content download to theusers. Examples of popular services/content being available for mobilephone users are downloading of logos and ring tones, directoryassistance, positioning services, reservations etc., i.e. MobileInternet Services.

In the case of GSM, GPRS and UMTS, the service bearers are usually SMS,MMS or WAP. All these bearers are in a category where the availabilityto the customers is characterized by a threshold of complexity in theuser interface, and a certain degree of technical understanding isrequired. In addition, for almost all SMS and MMS services andapplications, the user needs to have knowledge of certain codes,syntaxes and numbers to access them. This type of services needs to beadvertised daily and makes the marketing very costly. Presently, themost frequent content accessed using SMS codes is logos and ring tones.However, it is not feasible or efficient to use complex syntaxes andcodes for more sophisticated content.

As a consequence, the usage of different services offered by telecomoperators and service providers tends to be lower than expected. The useof the services, and accompanying technological adaptation, seems to bedeveloping at a lower growth rate for general customers, compared to thegrowth of the services offered.

Consequently, there is a need for a solution lowering the threshold ofcomplexity in the user interface, making services available on theterminals to users, and presenting information to users in aninteractive way, so that the customer can communicate and understand theinformation received. Such a solution should be adapted and addressed tothe majority of subscribers utilizing the services available. The mainobject is to allow a majority of subscribers the ability to use more ofthe operators' and content providers' value added services.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a system and a method that reduces thethreshold of complexity in the user interface at terminals of a mobilewireless network. In particular, the invention comprises a system foraccessing services and/or applications and/or content in a communicationnetwork from a user terminal, the services and/or applications and/orcontent being stored in or linked to one or more databases connected tosaid communication network. This system includes an Interpreter moduleinterpreting a user-entered text phase in the user's own naturallanguage by means of a text and grammar recognition process, said modulebeing adapted to output commands and/or inquiries executable for aContent Logic block based on the result of said text and grammarrecognition process, the Content Logic being adapted to search and findservices and/or applications and/or content among said services and/orapplications and/or content in said one or more databases satisfyingspecifications defined by the commands and/or inquiries from theInterpreter module, a Priority Logic block being adapted to sort saidfound services and/or applications and/or content in a prioritized listaccording to predefined priority rules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system architecture of a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention discloses a system providing existing services towireless mobile customers in a user friendly and flexible way. From auser's point of view, a non-standardised text phrase expressing what heor she is looking for is entered into the user's terminal and the systemresponds with the services or content matching the message of the textphrase, possibly in a prioritized order. Alternatively, the system isaccessed and controlled by the user's voice through a voice recognitionmodule.

The system providing this user scenario is preferably implemented in aserver 11 at a telecommunication operator, comprising three maincomponents: Interpreter module 13, Content Logic block 15 and PriorityLogic block 17. In addition, a browser mechanism for interfacing thesystem at the users 19 will be needed. In the case of cellular phones, aSIM browser is preferably used for this purpose. The server will alsohave to be connected to one or more databases containingservices/content or links thereto.

The Interpreter

The object of the Interpreter module 13 is to enable users 19 toformulate and enter search strings as they would be expressed in naturalspeech, i.e. in the user's natural language and with normal grammaticalcomposition, without knowing the correct syntax requested by eachparticular database. The search strings may be either written or spoken.

In other words, the Interpreter module 13 is text-recognition andgrammar software recognizing and translating the user's own naturallanguage into a language that the Content Logic block 15 understands.Text recognition is a fast developing field, and some of the existingsolutions are already applicable for this purpose. A speech recognitionsystem can be integrated to the natural language system to extend thesystem to perform a voice-based service. The response can also be voicesynthesized in this case. A standard text recognition and grammar modulehas to be adjusted to the Content Logic block 15 so that it outputscommands and queries being executable by the Content Logic block 15.This gives the operator the opportunity to associate content with alogical response to a customer's requests or needs, i.e. the user maymake his or her queries or requests by logical written sentences on theterminal display.

This Interpreter module could be based on standard, off-the-shelf,natural text recognition and grammar software. The text recognition andgrammar software may be used as a verbal compiler. It runs on a standardoperating system with an internet information server as an onlineresource with an SQL database server used as an information store.

The prototype verbal compiler of Interpreter module 13 is designed to beaccessed by IP protocol through a slim operator-specific layer. Theprototype verbal compiler can access knowledge bases in several ways,e.g. by using the http protocol, using SQL statements and by macros tointernal storage. Internally, all is defined by use of XML code in theverbal compiler. Externally, the verbal compiler communicates by use ofhttp towards technical partners or content providers 21. The format mustregularly be customised for each partner.

Content Logic

The Content Logic block 15 contains a set of predefined tables, matrixesand commands as well as search engines to execute the desired queriesand commands generated from the text entered by the user in addition toinformation and links to all active and current services and contents inblock 21. This logic will be the gate to all contents and is connectedto the CPA (Content Provider Access) block 23 and thus the billingsystem. The Content Logic block 15 will receive requests by means ofqueries and commands from the Interpreter block 13, informing theContent Logic block 15 what kind of services or contents to search for.The Content Logic block 15 then searches through one or more databasescontaining all available services or contents. The services or contentsare preferably categorized in several classifications as, e.g., sports,weather, location based Content, etc. Other examples of services orcontent being available in the databases are dictionaries,encyclopaedias, traffic information and services, directory assistance,ring tones, logos, music, videos, voice mail, cinema, Mobile Commerce,positioning services etc.

If more than one service or content is found, it is left to a Prioritylogic block 17 to order the services or contents. The result of thesearch is then returned to the user's terminal, and by use of a SIMtoolkit, the services or content found will preferably appear in theterminal display as selectable menu options. The number of hitspresented to the user, either through SMS, MMS, Mobile email,Cellbroadcast, WAP, WAP push or through voice channel (synthesized), canbe numerous, but is preferably limited to a certain number, with theoption to see more if requested.

Priority Logic

The Priority Logic block 17 is driven by a method for prioritizingbetween the services or content of all the Content Providers (CP)available through the operator's network in block 21. The list is to beorganised in different classifications of services fitted to be groupedtogether.

When the user requests a certain service or application, or asks for(general) information, the Content Logic block 15 will find the mostrelevant services or content and relay the list to the Priority Logicblock 17. The list is then arranged in a prioritised order according towhat is most likely to satisfy the user's need and/or what is mostvaluable for the operator. To provide this, a database containing aranking list is integrated in the Priority Logic block 17. The list issegmented into different classifications of services and applications.

Consequently, the user may experience a set of hits as a response to asuccessful request, and for this to be interesting, it is a requirementthat the most popular services and applications are among the hits. Theuser should be able to personalise the service, e.g. having thepossibility to set a limit of the number of hits that is provided to himor her.

The function of the Priority Logic block 17 is for the operator toorganize services/content related to the end-user's requests. This willadd value to the service, as the prioritised content is the most likelywanted item requested. The motivation to implement Priority Logic block17 is based upon the assumption that rich and solid content providersare willing to pay according to a defined structure to be present in thehit list presented to the end user.

SIM Browser

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a SIM Browser is used byusers 19 for accessing the system. A SIM browser is a standard productused by several mobile operators, and resides in a SIM card that can beused for menu-driven access to SMS based services and for enabling SIMapplication toolkit commands. A SIM Browser can be described as partlysimilar to a conventional Internet browser, such as Microsoft InternetExplorer and is termed a wireless internet browser, WIB 27.

The SIM Browser 27 receives byte coded WML-scripts from the WirelessInternet Gateway (WIG) server 23 as a message from SMSC block 25 andruns these WML-script commands as SIM Application Toolkit (SAT) commandson the Mobile unit 29. The SIM Browser is implemented as a SIM ToolkitApplication and will also use SIM Application Toolkit commands, e.g.,for displaying text and getting key for interaction with the user.

The SIM Browser in the context of the present invention is responsiblefor: providing user access to the system by means of an option in themenu; transmitting the user-entered text phrase to the Interpretermodule 13; receiving a response and displaying it to the customer;carrying out the requested operation if accepted by the customer; andperforming any end-to-end security functions if requested.

The combination with preloaded menu in the SIM and SIM Browser techniqueresembles that of wireless application protocol, or WAP, a standard fordisplaying web pages on cellphones, but using the SIM browser 27 givesthe advantage of direct access to the system of the present inventionthrough a menu option in the menu system of the user's terminal withoutbeing forced to set up a WAP session or SMS semi-WAP interaction to getinformation. In addition, the terminal does not have to be WAPconfigured for making use of the system. However, use of the WAP browserand setting up a WAP session in addition to the SIM browser might befavourable in certain cases, and will also be within the scope of thepresent invention.

User Scenario

In the following, the steps of an example user scenario of the presentinvention will be presented. First, the user 19 selects the menu optionto access the system of the present invention, e.g. called “mGurusearch”. Second, the user enters a text phrase of his choice in the SIMToolkit menu by means of his/her keyboard, e.g. “my nearest petrolstation” or “petrol station in my area” or only “petrol”. Third, the SIMsends this request to the Interpreter logic 13 through SMSC 25, oralternatively MMS, Mobile Email and OTA/WIG. Fourth, by means of thewords “nearest” or “area” and “petrol station”, the Interpreter Logic 13outputs a search command to the Content Logic 15 for positioningservices. Fifth, the Content logic 15 finds a number of services anddeliberates with the Priority Logic 17 before sending a WML responseback to the SIM Toolkit and the user 19 including a prioritized list ofthe services found. Sixth, the display-text of the response is shown tothe user 19 who either confirms or rejects the response or key in a newstring. Seventh, this response from the SIM 27 is relayed back to theInterpreter logic 13. Eighth, upon user confirmation, the contentprovider 21 presents his “offer” to the user and takes over theprocess/dialogue. Finally, the user 19 has got his or her wantedservice.

Optionally, if the user 19 has predetermined that the system shouldrespond with only one service per request, the sixth through ninth stepsmay be replaced by one single step of presenting the result of theservice being on top of the priority list directly to the user. The userwould then experience the response of his or her request, e.g. as a mapsheet appearing on his or her display, plotting the exact route from hisor her current position to the nearest petrol station.

Another Example

The user selects the menu option to access the system as in step 1above. The user 19 enters “The last melody of Eminem”. This request issent to the Interpreter logic 13 which outputs a search command to theContent Logic 15. The Content logic 15 finds a number of services anddeliberates with the Priority Logic 17 before sending a WML response, orWAP push message back to the user including a prioritized list of theservices found: a) “Listen to the last studio version”; b) “Provide asringing tune”; c) “Provide as logo”; d) “MMS picture gallery”; e) “OrderCD”; f) “Order DVD from provider A, USD 29.95”; g) “Order DVD fromprovider B, USD 37.95”; h) “Book movie ticket”; i) “Information from fanclub”. The user 19 chooses one option from the list, whereupon thecontent provider 21 presents his “offer” to the user and takes over theprocess/dialogue of the transaction.

The various options presented to the user relates to differentapplications with widely different interfaces. However, the user willonly see a “standard” interface common for all the applications, andwhich is simple in use for an occasional user. In this way the“mechanics” behind the interface is completely hidden from the user.

The main advantage of the present invention is that it minimizes thethreshold complexity in the user interface of services and contentprovided for cellular phones, and makes it very simple for the user tofind wanted services, information or products. The present inventionwill let the user browse and find new or already known service,information or product possibilities without having to know certain SMScodes, search techniques and/or telephone numbers.

Besides, the present invention will reduce the costs for advertising ofSMS codes, reduce integration cost for Content providers, and willprobably multiply the sales of different contents.

The invention has been described as applicable in the contexts oftraditional mobile networks like GSM, GPRS, UMTS, etc. However, ascommunication technologies are evolving, the invention can findapplication here as well. As examples of other technologies of interest,WLAN, HiperLAN, Bluetooth and InfraRed (JR) communication networks couldbe used. This list of currently available communication technologiesmust not be considered as exhaustive; in the future other technologieswill certainly become available, and which can be supported by thesystem and method of the present invention.

While the invention has been described in the context of mobileservices, it can find application in a stationary environment as well. AWeb server with the three modules mentioned above installed, can beaccessed from a standard Web browser in a desktop Personal Computer. Inthis way the same benefits of a uniform access interface to a multitudeof different services or applications or information contents can beachieved. This solution will in principle be almost identical to themobile approach, except for billing solutions, even though a fullfledged web browser is used. The additional capabilities of such a webbrowser may of course be exploited with advantage to add features in theuser interface.

1. A system for accessing services, applications and content in acommunication network from a user terminal, the services, applicationsand content being stored in or linked to one or more databases connectedto said communication network, comprising: an Interpreter module meansconnected to receive a user-entered text phrase in the user's ownnatural language by means of a text and grammar recognition process,said module for outputting commands and inquiries; a Content Logic meansreceiving said commands and inquiries for searching and findingservices, applications and content among said services, applications andcontent in said one or more databases satisfying specifications definedby the commands and inquiries from the Interpreter module means, and aPriority Logic means for sorting said found services, applications andcontent in a prioritized list according to predefined priority rules. 2.A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a set of tables inthe Content Logic means associating possible incoming commands andinquiries with search strings for search engines to operate in said oneor more databases with links to services, applications and content insaid one or more databases.
 3. A system as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe Priority Logic means includes a ranking list prioritizing at leastsome of the available services, applications and content that is beingused in said sorting of the services, applications and content in theprioritized list.
 4. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the PriorityLogic means for sorting includes means for sorting according to what ismost likely to match a user's need expressed in the commands andinquiries resulting from the user-entered text phrase input in theInterpreter module means.
 5. A system as claimed in claim 1 furthercomprising: providing user terminal means having a browser means foruser access to the system by means of an option in the user terminals inwhich the text phrase is entered, for transmitting the user-entered textphrase to the Interpreter module, for receiving said prioritized listand for displaying at least a part of this as selectable service,application and content, and for carrying out operations of a userselected service, application and content.
 6. A system as claimed inclaim 5 wherein said browser is a SIM or WAP browser.
 7. A system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the Interpreter module means, the ContentLogic means and the Priority Logic means reside in a server associatedwith the communication network, and wherein the server is connected to abilling mechanism charging users for each use of the system.
 8. A systemas claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication network is a GSM,GSM/GPRS or a UMTS network and that the user terminals are cellularphones.
 9. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a Speech RecognitionModule is integrated in the Interpreter Module providing voice baseduser access and control to/of the system.
 10. A method for accessingservices, applications and content in a communication network from auser terminal, the services, applications and content being stored in orlinked to one or more databases connected to said communication network,comprising: interpreting a user-entered text phrase in a user's ownnatural language by means of a text and grammar recognition process,providing search commands and inquiries based on the result of said textand grammar recognition process, searching services, applications andcontent among said services, applications and content in said one ormore databases satisfying specifications defined by said commands andinquiries, and sorting said found services, applications and content ina prioritized list according to predefined priority rules.